Mental Health Technician

Lehigh Valley Hospital, Inc.; Pottsville (Schuylkill County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking health network dedicated to providing exceptional care and support for psychiatric patients. This role involves assisting in patient care, documenting interactions, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure quality treatment. The organization values teamwork and innovation, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about mental health. With a commitment to professional growth, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of patients. If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career in healthcare, this position is for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of direct care experience in behavioral health.
• Clear communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing patient care for psychiatric inpatients.
• Document client behaviors and maintain electronic medical records.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team activities.

Skills

Direct Care Experience

Counseling Skills

Clear Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Abilities

Knowledge of Mental Health

Education

High School Diploma/GED

6 Months of College Credits

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or Related Field

Job description

Day Shift, 7:00am - 7:30pm, every other weekend with holiday rotation.

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is home to nearly 23,000 colleagues who make up our talented, vibrant and diverse workforce.

Join our team and experience firsthand what it's like to be part of a health care organization that's nationally recognized, forward-thinking and offers plenty of opportunity to do great work.

Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks.

Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.

LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Additionally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Muhlenberg, Hazleton, and Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.

Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Join us and be part of a leading health network committed to excellence and innovation.

Summary

Assists in planning and implementing individual patient care and therapeutic milieu groups to facilitate the treatment of psychiatric inpatients. Provides direct care services to patients as necessary. Performs a variety of treatment and diagnostic procedures such as EKGs, Phlebotomy, blood sugar checks, and bladder scans. Provides mental health support (to children and adults) and assists with intakes, as required. Documents interactions and maintains complete records for decision-making staff and authorities. Performs patient care activities in collaboration with and under the direction of an RN.

Job Duties

• Documents client behaviors observed during shift and charts into the electronic medical records.
• Accepts emergency/crisis calls. Responds to front-line first responder needs via telephone and triages calls according to intensity, service needs, critical timing, and assignment of staff.
• Assists residents in all areas of physical care and hygiene of patients.
• Aids patients with activities of daily living, bases interactions on goals and interventions of treatment plan, and complies with unit-specific guidelines.
• Conducts independent study of current literature on relevant topics and presents findings to staff annually.
• Demonstrates at least one specific behavior supporting a model (e.g., clinical supervision, committee participation, PI monitoring, scheduling, patient satisfaction follow-up, peer review).
• Displays competencies in accordance with established procedures and department/unit-specific assessment criteria.
• Offers input in formulating and revising treatment plans, and performs various treatment and diagnostic procedures.
• Participates in continuing education and self-motivated learning activities for professional growth.
• Functions as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, supports the professional learning of others, and serves as a resource for students.
• Assists in orientation for new personnel and supports the professional practice model.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Minimum of 6 months of college credits, preferably in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Special Education, Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or Medicine.
• At least 6 months of direct care experience, including individual and group counseling skills, preferably in an acute behavioral healthcare setting or behavioral education setting. Experience may include internships or clinical practicums.
• 1 year of experience in Behavioral Health.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adapt to emergency situations.
• Clear communication skills.
• Reasoning abilities to solve problems.
• Aware of others’ reactions and their possible causes.
• Knowledge of mental health and/or substance abuse.
• Possesses counseling skills for individuals and groups.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification within 180 days.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education, Nursing, Medicine, or Healthcare Administration.
• One year of direct care experience in an acute behavioral health setting, including counseling skills and knowledge of mental health technician practices.

Physical Demands

Job description details physical and other demands, with a disclaimer that responsibilities may evolve.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in all employment practices.

Additional information and links are provided for further engagement.